📪 HH #64: Why Your Business Isn't Growing (and How to Fix it)

The Boring Work That Wins_ Building a Successful Home Service Business

0:00

Good morning, haulers ☕

A business owner recently asked me, “What’s your biggest secret to growing a successful hauling company?”

I could tell they were expecting some breakthrough strategy. Maybe a hidden hack or an insider trick that would suddenly make lead generation effortless.

But my answer?

There is no secret.

If you want to grow a successful home service business—whether it’s junk removal, dumpster rental, pressure washing, or any other trade—you don’t need a shortcut. You need a system. And you need to execute that system relentlessly.

The hard truth?

The things that move the needle the most are usually the most boring.

 

The Boring Work That Wins

Everyone wants a flashy solution, but the businesses that dominate their market are the ones that do the basics with insane consistency.

• The junk removal company that follows up with every single customer 24 hours after service—every time, no exceptions.

• The pressure washing business that sends out five estimate follow-ups per day, even when they’re booked out for weeks.

• The dumpster rental service that calls past customers at the 90-day mark to see if they need another haul.

These aren’t groundbreaking tactics. But most home service businesses don’t do them because they’re boring. They require discipline. And they don’t deliver instant results, which means most owners abandon them before they start to pay off.

The Secret is in the System

The best operators don’t just do the boring work—they build systems that guarantee it gets done. Plain and simple.

For example:

• Booking follow-ups: Every job gets a follow-up text and email at the 24-hour mark, automatically.

• Review requests: Every happy customer gets a review link sent the moment the job is completed.

• Referral outreach: Every past customer who leaves a review gets a templated referral email at the 30-day mark.

• Customer reactivation: Every customer from six months ago gets a quick “Need service again?” text.

And it doesn't need to be exactly like this—you can create your own. This is just a templated example of how you could structure it.

Notice the pattern?

These aren’t just good habits. They’re structured, repeatable processes that happen like clockwork, regardless of mood, motivation, or how busy the business owner is.

The difference between an average home service business and one that scales into the seven figures isn’t some secret marketing hack. It’s the ability to show up, do the boring work, and make sure it happens every single time.

Why Most Business Owners Struggle With This

If growing a business is just about showing up and doing the work, why don’t more people do it?

You know what I think? I think it's because when success feels like a hidden formula, it gives people an easy excuse:

• “I just haven’t found the right marketing strategy yet.”

• “I don’t have the right connections.”

• “I need a better website before I can grow.”

But when success comes down to consistently executing simple actions, there’s nowhere to hide. It’s not about luck. It’s about doing what works over and over again—even when it’s tedious. Even when it feels like it’s not working.

Even when it would be easier to jump to the next “big idea.”

 

How to Apply This to Your Business

Pick the boring things that matter and make sure they get done—no matter what.

Here’s where to start:

1. Lead Follow-Up System

   • Call or text every lead within five minutes.

   • Follow up three times: same day, next day, and three days later.

   • Set up automated emails for unbooked leads.

2. Customer Nurturing System

   • Follow up 24 hours after every job.

   • Send a referral request at 30 days.

   • Reactivate past customers at 90 days.

3. Review and Referral System

   • Ask every happy customer for a Google review.

   • Send a referral request email every 30 days.

   • Offer a discount or incentive for referrals.

None of these are complicated. But most business owners won’t do them consistently. And that’s exactly why the ones who do dominate their market.

Action Steps to Implement Today

✅ Automate Follow-Ups: Set up an SMS/email sequence that follows up with leads and past customers. 

✅ Schedule Weekly Outreach: Block 30 minutes each week to personally reach out to past customers for referrals. This deepens the emotional connection you have with your clients, making them more inclined to support your business. 

✅ Create a Review Request Process: Make asking for reviews automatic—text every happy customer with a direct link. Don't make them go to Google and find your company. 

✅ Track Key Metrics: Log follow-up response rates and customer referrals to measure progress. What gets measured, gets improved. 

✅ Eliminate Distractions: If you’re not consistent, figure out what’s stopping you and remove the obstacle.

The Bottom Line

Success isn’t about finding a secret. It’s about getting really, really good at the basics and never missing.

Most home service businesses fail not because they don’t know what to do, but because they don’t do it consistently.

So get good at boring. And then build systems to make boring automatic.

Because when boring gets done every single time, it stops being boring. It starts being the reason your business wins.

That's all for this morning✌️

Justin Hubbard

Find me on LinkedIn | Instagram

or Book a 1:1 Call

Whenever you're ready, here are three ways I can help you grow your business:

1. Adimize: Grow Your Business with Our Proven Google Ads SystemMaximize your ad spend with a FREE Google Ads review from Adimize—my own business, born out of the countless requests I’ve received from fellow haulers looking to improve their marketing. With over a decade of hauling industry experience, we optimize campaigns to drive leads and boost bookings—using intent-driven, results-focused strategies. No contracts, no risk. Schedule your free review HERE.

2. Get Personal Help with a FREE Strategy CallYou've invested in experts for your golf game and your finances—now let’s do the same for your business. I’ve been in your shoes, and I know what it takes to push through the grind. Together, we’ll identify the moves that’ll make your business thrive and put you on the path to serious growth. Book your strategy call HERE.

3. Order My New eBook: Beyond Breaking Even | Unlocking Profit Potential In Hauling Businesses

Learn how to drive sustainable revenue and growth in the hauling industry. This book offers targeted strategies to scale your business, optimize operations, and boost profits while reducing risk. With real-world examples and proven methods, you'll gain actionable insights that help businesses like yours succeed and reach their full potential. Purchase your copy HERE.

4. Financing for Trucks and EquipmentPlanning to grow your fleet or upgrade your equipment? I can connect you with flexible financing options designed for service businesses. Reach out, and I’ll guide you through the next steps.

5. Looking to Buy a Truck?If you’re in the market for a new truck, I can connect you with a trusted dealership that works specifically with businesses in our industry. Let me know, and I’ll help you get started.

6. Simplify Payroll, Payments, and OperationsWhether it’s payroll, payment processing, or software to streamline your operations, I work with providers who can make your backend more efficient. Contact me directly, and I’ll help you find the right solution.